U.S. Parole Commission

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The Freedom of Information Act ("FOIA") is a federal law giving the public a right to access information from the federal government. Enacted in 1966, it provides that any person has a right, enforceable in court, to access federal agency records, except to the extent that such records (or portions of them) are protected from public disclosure by certain exemptions or exclusions. The exceptions and exclusions protect classified information, individuals' privacy, confidential information used for law enforcement purposes, and trade secrets.

This includes frequently requested records, opinions, policy statements, and staff manuals/instructions to staff, created by the United States Parole Commission.

Component Description:

The United States Parole Commission has sole authority to grant, modify, or revoke paroles of Federal offenders and is responsible for the supervision of parolees and mandatory releasees. On August 5, 2000, the Commission assumed the authority of the District of Columbia Board of Parole and now maintains files for D.C. Code prisoners who are eligible for parole. The Commission maintains records regarding its hearings and decisions for prisoners and releasees. It also maintains various administrative files.